In PHOTOS: India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

In PHOTOS: India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

An impressive display of armour and unmanned aerial vehicles recently added to India's military prowess was on full display at the 63rd Republic Day parade on Thursday that also showcased the country's rich heritage.

The early morning chill did not deter people along the 8-km-parade route as they gathered on both sides of the majestic Rajpath, the country's ceremonial boulevard facing

the Raisina Hills, and cheered the contingents as they went past portraying the diverse culture of the country.

The well-turned out and synchronised military and police formations led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Lt Gen V K Pillai marched proudly to the lilting tunes of bands through the Rajpath where President Pratibha Patil, who is the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, took salute.

Police and other paramilitary forces turned Delhi into a a virtual fortress for the Republic Day celebrations as helicopters scanned from air, snipers kept a hawk-eye vigil from rooftops and armed personnel at every nook and corner provided a ground-to-air security apparatus.

Minutes before the parade began, Singh, Antony and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force laid wreaths at 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', an eternal flame in the memory of those who laid down their lives while defending the nation.

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

After the customary 21-gun salute and unfurling of the national tricolour, President Patil presented Ashok Chakra -- the highest peacetime gallantry award -- posthumously to Lieutenant Navdeep Singh who died foiling an infiltration attempt by Pakistan-based terrorists along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS...

Image: President Pratibha Devisingh Patil conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Lieutenant Navdeep Singh (Posthumous) of the Army Ordnance Corps / 15th Battalion, The Maratha Light Infantry, at the beginning of the 63rd Republic day celebrationsPhotographs: PIB Photos

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

Then, four Mi-17 helicopters zoomed in from skies on the western side showering flower petals on thousands of spectators, signalling the start of the impressive parade followed by winners of Param Vir Chakra, highest war-time gallantry award, and Ashok Chakra and mounted columns of 61 Cavalry.

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

The Army contingent from Parachute Regiment, Bengal Engineer Group, The Brigade of the Guards, Kumaon Regiment, Assam Regiment, Mahar Regiment and Gorkha Rifles marched to the tunes of 'Arjuna', Thimmaya, 'Gangotri' and 'Veer Gorkha' military numbers.

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

The 3,000-km-range nuclear-capable Agni-IV missile, successfully flight tested in November last year, stole the limelight as people cheered and clapped when the weapons system's model came near them. Commentaries gave an insight into the capabilities of the sophisticated missile system.

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

As the country's armed and police forces demonstrated their might, states and different departments put up an impressive show when they showcased their rich cultural diversity in full display in 23 tableaux -- 13 from states and ten from ministries.

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

Another highlight of the event was that West Bengal became part of the parade after 13 years as it showcased the university town of Shantiniketan, the living abode of Rabindranath Tagore that symbolises the avant garde vision of an international, educational and cultural institution.

The Jammu and Kashmir tableau depicts the architectural heritage of its capital Srinagar during the medieval period, while Chhattisgarh showcased the Dondaki art and claywork by artists late Sonabhai Rajwar, Darogaram and Atmadas Manikpuri.

Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS...

Image: The tableau of Punjab passes through the RajpathPhotographs: PIB Photos

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

The one by Maharashtra boasted of its rich culture, natural wonders and historical monuments and attractive tourist destinations.

The north-eastern state of Meghalaya depicted the Jaintia Festivals and the most colourful dance by the major tribal community inhabiting the state, while Rajasthan brought alive the 'Aamber Fort' which has an unique artistic style that blends both Hindu and Mughal elements.

Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS...

Image: The tableau of Rajasthan passes through the RajpathPhotographs: PIB Photos

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

The Union Textiles Ministry's tableaux displayed the range of Indian handicrafts, reflecting the journey of Indian handicrafts from the traditional to the modern world, representing the rich cultural heritage from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS...

Image: The tableau of Ministry of Textiles passes through the RajpathPhotographs: PIB Photos

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

Election Commission, which came with a tableau for the first time, had 'National Voter's Day' as its theme which publicises the objective to maximise enrolment of voters and thereby enhance the quality of Indian democracy.

Click on NEXT to see more PHOTOS...

Image: The tableau of Election commission of India passes through the RajpathPhotographs: PIB Photos

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

Following the tableaus, 21 young brave hearts who won the national bravery awards drove through the Rajpath in gypsies to a huge applause following which 1,200 students enthralled the spectators with a spectacular performance of various dance forms.

Students between the age group of 12 years to 20 years from West Bengal, Orissa, Delhi and other states performed five cultural programmes during the parade.

A folk ritual from Tamil Nadu to please the goddess of health and rain, fisherman dance from Maharashtra and a ritual related to Odisha were among the highlights of youngsters' performances.

Based on the ideals of meaningful education of Mahatma Gandhi, students of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Delhi's R K Puram presented an item on mass literacy.

Through their song and formation they invoked a world where every person is educated in letter and spirit, where everyone would touch the height of prosperity and enlightenment.

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

Students of Government Sarvodaya Vidyala in Hastsal brought the colourful 'Kodiyancha Karavan', a folk dance of Maharashtra fishermen while another group presented 'Karagam', a folk dance of Tamil Nadu which originated as a ritual dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess of health and rain.

Another performance was that of 'Thakurani' -- a combination of 'Animal Dance', 'Ranapa Dance' and 'Jodi' -- which is connected with the religious procession of Thakurani Jatra in Ganjam district of Odisha.

'Gudum Baja', a traditional tribal dance in Mandla and Shahdol Districts of Madhya Pradesh, was also showcased during the parade.

India celebrates 63rd Republic Day

The grand finale of the parade was the spectacular flypast by the IAF, with the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft participating in the parade for the first time.

The flypast was led by a Vic formation of three Mi-35 helicopters, followed by the three Super Hercules again in a Vic formation. Trailing them was an IL-78, flanked by two AN-32 and two Dornier, in a Big Boy formation and next in line was the fighters, - five Jaguars followed by five MiG-29 will fly in Arrowhead formation.

The breathtaking Trishul formation comprising three Su-30 MKI would fly over the Rajpath and once in front of the saluting dais the Su-30MKI aircraft split upwards, making a Trishul in the sky. The flypast concluded with another Sukhoi Su-30 MKI carrying out a Vertical Charlie manoeuvre over the saluting dais.